Generating potential actuation architectures for multifunctional flight control surfaces using a Design Structure Matrix clustering algorithm

Abstract

Driven by the need for more ecofriendly air transport impact on the environment, the evolution of flight control systems is tailored towards the design of multifunctional systems (e.g., the flaps, which are typically used for providing high lift, could additionally be used for roll control, or for span-wise lift distribution to reduce wing loads). The subsystems which actuate the control surfaces are very complex, composed of hundreds of components working together. Designing new concepts to accommodate the multifunctional flight control requirements is a complex and demanding task. Using Design Structure Matrix methods for generating alternative system architectures is a promising way for extensively exploring the solution space, not restricted to the boundaries of limited modifications of existing solutions. Thus, this paper demonstrates the possibility of using a hierarchical stochastic Design Structure Matrix clustering method, together with a multifunctional requirement, to generate alternative actuation system architectures. It is shown that, with this approach, near-optimal architectures based on multifunctional requirements can be generated and alternatives can be evaluated for system-level impact. In this study, different architectures are created, and the top 3 analyzed based on their success in achieving the multifunctional requirement. This study demonstrates the possibility of generating alternative actuation system concepts optimized for multifunctional requirements, not limited to small local improvements of existing architectures.